City: Conditions improving on Sanibel, but cleanup continues

August 14, 2018

The conditions on Sanibel's beaches and in its canals and bayous show signs of improvement.

The city reported today that officials continue to observe an overall significant reduction in the dead sea life being deposited as a result of the water quality situation. While light deposits of red drift algae are washing up mid-island, the conditions at the Sanibel Boat Ramp were "poor" as of this morning.

Officials noted that there were approximately 20 dead fish ever 10 feet.

Article Photos

PHOTO PROVIDEDLighthouse Beach.

PHOTO PROVIDEDTarpon Road Beach access.

PHOTO PROVIDEDRed drift algae washes ashore mid-island.

PHOTO PROVIDEDBayside of island.

As for the red drift algae, it had not been determined if it was coming from an inshore or offshore source. Over the past several weeks, Fort Myers Beach has been reporting moderate to large amounts of red drift algae washing up on its beaches, according to officials.

On Aug. 13, eight large fish carcasses - five goliath grouper and two tarpon - were removed from the island's shoreline. The city continues to "right-size" its contractual crews each day to respond to the dead sea life washing up. It is also actively pursuing full cost recovery of the expenses of the cleanup.

Today's first light of day report from city staff is as follows:

- Lighthouse Beach

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Not present

Deposits: None present

- Sanibel Boat Ramp

Current Conditions: Poor

Red Tide: Irritation moderate

Odor: Moderate

Deposits: Approximately 20 dead fish every 10 feet

- Algiers Beach (Gulfside City Park)

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Not present

Deposits: None present

- Tarpon Bay Beach

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Not present

Deposits: None present

- Bowman's Beach

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Not present

Deposits: None present

- Blind Pass

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Slight

Deposits: None present

- Turner Beach Park

Current Conditions: Good

Red Tide: No irritation present

Odor: Not present

Deposits: None present

Based on tides, winds and currents, the conditions may alter quickly and significantly.

If you encounter any dead sea life washed ashore on private property that is too large to be removed by hand, email address and location to j.zimomra@mysanibel.com and attach a photo if possible.

A large portion of the dead fish on the beach are catfish. The pectoral (side) fins and dorsal (top) fin contain sharp venomous spines; extreme care should be used when handling the fish. Beach-goers should also avoid stepping on dead catfish as some sharp barbs can even penetrate the sole of a shoe.